Playing for Their Nation: Baseball and the American Military during World War II (review)

Reviewed by: Playing for Their Nation: Baseball and the American Military during World War II Bill Swanson (bio) Steven R. Bullock. Playing for Their Nation: Baseball and the American Military during World War II. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2004. 183 pp. Cloth, $30.00. Numerous books and articles have been written about the state of professional baseball during America's involvement in World War II. The quality [End Page 148] of play during this time was significantly affected by the draining of the talent pool, with many professional baseball players drafted to support the war effort. Most of these books examine how the war affected the professional game in America. Bullock's book, however, provides a unique perspective: a portrayal of baseball within the military establishment during World War II and the inseparable link between baseball and the war effort. Bullock states that "from the turn of the twentieth century to the beginning of World War II, the American people enjoyed an unusual and unprecedented fascination with the game of baseball . . . it personified the nation's values and helped to unify an increasingly diverse population." It was only natural, with the outbreak of hostilities and the United States' forced entry into World War II, that baseball would be an important figure on the American military landscape. Baseball in the military during the war was a morale booster for the American servicemen. It provided a taste of the familiar to countless GIs separated from the comforts of home for the first time in their lives. Military commanders believed that participation in baseball games helped prepare their men both physically and mentally for combat, and served to keep idle servicemen out of trouble. Baseball was also a common denominator for men who were suddenly thrust together from every region of the United States. Through participation and conversation, baseball became a unifying force. In addition to widespread participation by the common gi, exhibitions by professional players became a mainstay of military life. Over ninety percent of the players on Major League rosters at the start of the war eventually played for "Uncle Sam's team." The majority of these professional-baseball-player soldiers continued to play ball while on the government payroll, forming some impressive teams. Naturally, this was a source of pride and bragging rights for military commanders. Bullock recognizes professional baseball for its support of the war effort, which served to appease those who questioned the decision to continue playing baseball during the war. Money was raised for the war effort from the proceeds of the annual All-Star games, the World Series, and designated "relief games." Baseball equipment was donated to the military, and Major League players were enlisted to help promote the sale of war bonds. Bullock also discusses the effect of the war on many professional players. For some, it created speculation on "what might have been" with regard to career totals. For others, the time away from the diamond in a professional capacity proved too costly, as their wartime commitment eliminated their window of opportunity, effectively putting an end to their professional baseball career. Bullock's work is a welcome addition to the baseball fan's library because [End Page 149] of its unique perspective. He makes a strong case for baseball's contribution to America's ultimate success in World War II. He provides an exhaustive account of the many outstanding baseball teams "created" (sometimes by borderline unethical means), which played exhibitions to entertain the troops. Bullock perhaps becomes tedious with details on this topic, but nonetheless he creates a vivid picture of how baseball bolstered military life at all levels of play. Therefore, for the baseball historian, Bullock has provided a piece of the puzzle that has been previously missing. His work is an excellent companion to the numerous books about professional baseball during World War II. Bill Swanson Bill Swanson is the chair of the Department of Physical Education/Recreation at Houghton College in Houghton, New York. For the past eleven summers, he has been the batting practice pitcher for the Buffalo Bisons (triple A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians). Copyright © 2006 the University of Nebraska Press

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